Product description

Written by Alan Moore & Brian Bolland Art and cover by Brian Bolland The classic Batman tale by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland returns in an all-new special edition! This edition - celebrating the 20th anniversary of the landmark work - features all-new coloring by Bolland, and includes the story "An Innocent Guy," previously featured in BATMAN: BLACK AND WHITE! Advance-solicited; on sale March 19

Author information

Alan Moore is perhaps the most acclaimed writer in the graphic story medium, having garnered countless awards for works such as WATCHMEN, V FOR VENDETTA, "From Hell," "Miracleman" and SWAMP THING. He is also the mastermind behind the America's Best Comics line, through which he has created (along with many talented illustrators) THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, PROMETHEA, TOM STRONG, TOMORROW STORIES and TOP 10. As one of the medium's most important innovators since the early 1980s, Moore has influenced an entire generation of comics creators, and his work continues to inspire an ever-growing audience. Moore resides in central England. After making his professional debut in 1975, artist Brian Bolland perfected his clean-line style and meticulous attention to detail on a series of popular strips for the British comics magazine "2000 AD," most notably its signature feature "Judge Dredd." He went on to illustrate the 12-issue maxiseries CAMELOT 3000 and the Alan Moore-written graphic novel BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE for DC before shifting his focus to work almost exclusively on cover illustrations. Since then, he has earned a reputation as one of the best cover artists in the industry, and his elegantly composed and beautifully rendered pieces have graced a host of titles, including ANIMAL MAN, BATMAN, THE FLASH, THE INVISIBLES, WONDER WOMAN and many more.

Customer reviews

Initially, I had bought this book for my Barbara Gordon collection (does that make me a sadist?) but in reading it you come to truly understand the complicated nature that is the Joker. As someone who was not interested in the Joker or even Batman for that matter, I was surprised by how engaging this once. At times you may even find yourself feeling conflicted about your view towards this villain.

One thing about the book itself, and I don't know if this was done on purpose to mess with people, but the outer cover for the book is upside down when combined with the actual book itself. It's a rather odd printing error/joke.

Alan Moore offers a dark story focused on a scheme devised by the joker to get at commissioner Gordon and Batman intends to stop him.

Alan Moore shows us the dark nature of the joker and why he truly is the sickest and most feared of the villains. However, Moore also offers insight into what drove a man into being the pale skinned monster that now remains in Arkham city. Great mature story that is twisted and is one of Alan Moore's greatest works. Contains fantastic artwork and unforgettable characters.

I will be the first to admit that I have never really gone much on comics. I never grew up near a comic book store and so always relied on regular novels and children stories. However, I recently was introduced to the world of graphic novels and I haven't left yet. It's sad that this art form has such a poor reputation amongst the mass reading community; almost as if these are not legitimate forms of literature. They are so much more than this: they wonderfully combine the world of visual arts with the written word to produce a unique medium. Alan Moore takes the character of the Joker and provides some dark insight into his deranged perspective. The Killing Joke removes the veil of camp kitsch storytelling and delves into the darkness that is Gotham City and its Dark Knight. Even though the story is brief, it reveals so much about these characters. If you've never delved into the comic world, this is the perfect entree. Sharp writing and polished, detailed imagery. Take the plunge into Gotham's underbelly and don't look back.

Review quote

"Easily the greatest Joker story ever told, BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE is also one of Alan Moore's finest works. If you've read it before, go back and read it again. You owe it to yourself."--IGN ..".a genuinely chilling portrayal of Batman's greatest foe."--Booklist